transgress the limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transgress the limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions that go beyond established boundaries or rules, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The artist's work often transgresses the limits of traditional forms, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And yet for Leibowitz, even this would transgress the limits to which the notion of radical transcendence binds us.

SEP

When scientists act as experts, Nowotny [24] argues, they need to answer to questions they did not chose and therefore transgress the limits of their competence, by addressing issues that cannot be reduced to the purely scientific or technical, and by addressing a mixed audience, not only composed of fellow-experts.

European Journal of Futures Research

Or, if it be alleged that these may transgress the limits of possible life and propagation, we might, at least, have nations of human beings without nails upon their fingers, with more or fewer fingers and toes than ten, some with one eye, others with one ear, with one nostril, or without the sense of smelling at all.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It is through the reaction of this collective body that we experience the hope of victory, the dread of defeat and finally the realization of a divine law that those tempted to transgress the limits of what is humanly permissible will be punished.

Los Angeles Times

But we must make sure that they do not transgress the limits set by Allah in the Quran.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The allegations were that "some scholars of arts at Paris" (nonnulli Parisius studentes in artibus) had been transgressing the limits of their own faculty (proprie facultatis limites excedentes).

SEP

In this respect, the oft-quoted statement from Tempier's introductory letter that members of the arts faculty were transgressing the limits of their own faculty (propriae facultatis limites excedentes) could acquire new meaning.

SEP

Ms. Sánchez, taking a jab at Ms. Díaz's ties to the government, called her the "official Cuban blogger" and wrote that "Elaine Díaz has transgressed the limits of criticism permissible" for an employee of the state.

The New York Times

Elaine Diaz has transgressed the limits of criticism permissible to anyone working in the official media or in an academic center in Cuba.

Huffington Post

"These novelists, who are often educated in European or American universities, don't transgress anything because the limits which they have determined as being necessary to cross don't exist".

The Guardian - Books

"These novelists," he says, "who are often educated in European or American universities, don't transgress anything because the limits which they have determined as being necessary to cross don't exist".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "transgress the limits" when you want to convey a sense of overstepping boundaries, whether ethical, moral, or physical. The phrase carries a connotation of violating something established.

Common error

Avoid using "transgress the limits" when you simply mean to 'exceed' a quantity or measure. The phrase implies a violation, not just a surpassing, of a boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "transgress the limits" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action that violates or exceeds established boundaries or rules. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes an overstepping of what is considered acceptable or permissible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "transgress the limits" is a verb phrase used to describe actions that violate established boundaries or rules. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is frequently found in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, it carries a connotation of violation, so it should not be used simply to mean 'exceed'. Alternative phrases like "exceed the boundaries" or "violate the restrictions" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the boundaries

Focuses on surpassing defined boundaries rather than directly violating limits.

overstep the boundaries

Emphasizes stepping beyond established boundaries, similar to transgressing but with a slightly different connotation.

violate the restrictions

Highlights the act of breaking rules or restrictions, shifting the focus from limits to rules.

breach the constraints

Implies breaking through or violating limitations or constraints.

defy the boundaries

Suggests a deliberate act of resistance against established limits.

infringe upon the limits

Emphasizes encroachment or violation of specified limits.

cross the line

A more colloquial expression indicating a violation of acceptable behavior or standards.

go too far

Indicates exceeding a reasonable or acceptable extent, often implying negative consequences.

push the envelope

Refers to extending the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable.

bend the rules

Suggests a less severe violation, implying a flexible interpretation of rules.

FAQs

How can I use "transgress the limits" in a sentence?

You can use "transgress the limits" to describe actions that violate established boundaries. For example, "The scientist's experiment "transgressed the limits" of ethical research".

What is a synonym for "transgress the limits"?

A synonym for "transgress the limits" is "exceed the boundaries", which also implies going beyond what is considered acceptable or permissible.

Is it appropriate to use "transgress the limits" in formal writing?

Yes, "transgress the limits" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical, moral, or legal boundaries.

What is the difference between "transgress the limits" and "push the limits"?

"Transgress the limits" means to violate or go beyond established boundaries, while "push the limits" means to test or extend the boundaries without necessarily violating them. The first has a negative connotation while the second is more neutral.